Merissa

After a pause she added, “I am Merissa Pritchard.” She began carefully to roll up his sleeve. / He repeated her name, rolling the r’s in typically French fashion, drawing out the syllables and placing special emphasis on the last one. His pronunciation made her name sound musical and exotic, almost seductive. “It is a very lovely name, Merissa.”

If it’s a girl I’ve always loved the sweet name Merissa […]

“I empty the slop buckets,” the woman said flatly. / “What is your name?” / “Merdie!” shouted a voice from the back. Karn looked to find the offender, as did Sir Loraine, but they did not spot him and no one else reported who it was. / “Your name,” Karn asked quietly and politely. / “Merissa,” the woman answered.